TILEO Risk Assessment Explained: A Practical Guide for Irish Workplaces

Before any manual handling task takes place, Irish law requires employers to assess the risk. TILEO is the structured framework the HSA recommends for doing exactly that — and understanding it properly can protect your workforce and your business.

What Is TILEO?

TILEO is a five-factor risk assessment framework used to evaluate the hazards involved in any manual handling task. The acronym stands for:

• T — Task
• I — Individual
• L — Load
• E — Environment
• O — Other factors

It is the method recommended by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of Ireland and is fully aligned with the requirements of SI 299/2007 (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4).

Carrying out a TILEO assessment before introducing or changing a manual handling task is not optional — it is a legal obligation for Irish employers.

Why TILEO Matters

Most manual handling injuries in Irish workplaces are not caused by a single dramatic incident. They develop gradually, from repeated exposure to tasks that were never properly assessed. Back injuries, shoulder strains, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for a significant proportion of workplace injury claims in Ireland every year.

A properly completed TILEO assessment identifies risk before injury occurs — and documents that the employer took reasonable steps to protect their workers. That documentation matters enormously in the event of an insurance claim or an HSA inspection.

The Five Factors in Detail

T — Task

The task factor looks at what the worker is physically doing during the handling activity. High-risk tasks include:

• Lifting or lowering loads from below knee height or above shoulder height
• Holding loads at a distance from the body
• Twisting, stooping, or reaching while carrying a load
• Carrying loads over long distances or up stairs
• Repetitive handling over a sustained period
• Pushing or pulling loads that require significant force

Questions to ask: Does the task require awkward posture? Is it repetitive? Does it involve sudden or unpredictable movements?

I — Individual

This factor considers the specific person carrying out the task. What is safe for one worker may not be safe for another. Relevant individual factors include:

• Physical capability and fitness level
• Age — younger and older workers may be at greater risk
• Pregnancy or recent return from maternity leave
• A history of back, joint, or musculoskeletal problems
• Whether the worker has received adequate training
• Clothing or PPE that restricts movement

Questions to ask: Is this worker physically capable of performing this task safely? Has their capability been considered individually, not just as part of a group?

L — Load

The load is the object — or person, in healthcare settings — being handled. Risk factors related to the load include:

• Weight: the HSA guideline is a maximum of 20kg for men and 12kg for women in ideal conditions, though these figures reduce significantly when posture, distance, or frequency are unfavourable
• Size: large or bulky loads are harder to grip and obscure the handler's view
• Shape: irregular, sharp, or unstable loads increase risk
• Centre of gravity: loads with contents that shift (liquids, loose materials) are unpredictable
• Temperature: very hot or cold loads affect grip and handling behaviour

Questions to ask: Is the load too heavy, too large, or difficult to grip? Could it shift or move unexpectedly during handling?

E — Environment

Even a straightforward task becomes dangerous in the wrong environment. Environmental factors to assess include:

• Floor condition: wet, uneven, slippery, or cluttered floors dramatically increase fall and strain risk
• Space: confined spaces force awkward postures and restrict safe technique
• Lighting: poor visibility increases the risk of misjudging distance, weight, or footing
• Temperature and humidity: extreme heat or cold affects grip, concentration, and physical performance
• Slopes or stairs: carrying loads on inclines multiplies the physical demand considerably

Questions to ask: Is the workspace clear, well-lit, and at a suitable temperature? Are there floor hazards that have not been addressed?

O — Other Factors

This category captures anything not covered by the four factors above. Common examples include:

• Work organisation: shift patterns, breaks, and task rotation affect cumulative fatigue
• PPE: gloves, boots, or protective clothing that reduce grip or restrict movement
• Time pressure: workers rushing to meet targets are more likely to take shortcuts with technique
• Team lifts: tasks requiring two or more people introduce coordination risks
• New or inexperienced workers: those new to a role need closer supervision during the assessment period

Questions to ask: Are there organisational, cultural, or equipment-related factors that increase risk beyond what the other four categories have captured?

How to Complete a TILEO Assessment

A TILEO assessment does not need to be complicated. For most workplaces, a straightforward written record covering the five factors is sufficient. The HSA provides a manual handling risk assessment form on its website that can be used as a template.

The process typically involves:

• Observe the task as it is actually performed — not as it is supposed to be performed
• Work through each of the five TILEO factors, noting any risk identified
• Decide whether the risk is acceptable or whether control measures are needed
• Implement control measures — which may include task redesign, mechanical aids, or changes to the working environment
• Train workers in the revised safe method
• Review the assessment periodically, or whenever the task, load, or environment changes

Who Should Carry Out a TILEO Assessment?

The assessment should be carried out by a competent person — someone with sufficient knowledge, experience, and training in manual handling to identify and evaluate the risks involved. In many Irish workplaces, this is the health and safety officer, a line manager with relevant training, or an external health and safety consultant.

Workers themselves should be involved in the process wherever possible. They often have the most accurate understanding of how tasks are actually performed and where the real risks lie.

TILEO and Manual Handling Training

A TILEO risk assessment is one component of a compliant manual handling programme — but it does not replace training. Under SI 299/2007, employers must both assess the risk and provide training to workers on how to handle loads safely.

Training should include how to recognise and apply the TILEO framework, so that workers can identify risks themselves and report unsafe conditions before injuries occur.

The Bottom Line

TILEO is not a box-ticking exercise. Used properly, it is a practical tool that protects workers from injury, helps employers meet their legal obligations, and creates a documented record that demonstrates due diligence.

Every Irish employer whose workers handle loads should have completed TILEO assessments for each manual handling task — and should review those assessments regularly.

Pro Handling Ireland's online manual handling course includes a dedicated module on TILEO risk assessment, delivered to HSA guidelines and assessed by a QQI Level 6 Certified Instructor. Enrol today for €35.